A Ford Focus was stopped at an address in Ribbleton Avenue, Preston, around 10.30am on Tuesday.

The vehicle was stopped following reports of a domestic assault in Mill Lane, Coppull.

As the man got out of the car he pointed what appeared to be a handgun at officers and pulled the trigger.

The weapon, which is now being analysed by police, did not discharge and no one was injured.

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin McLean, of Preston Police, said: “These officers have shown incredible bravery in detaining this man after having a firearm pointed at them and it is fortunate that no-one has been seriously hurt.

“This incident just goes to show the sort of things that officers are faced with every day of their working lives.”

A 29-year-old man from St Helens has been arrested on suspicion of assault and possession of a firearm and is currently in custody. He has been charged with firearms offences as of Wednesday afternoon.